Often when I interview couples for their upcoming ceremony and I ask about music choices or any favourite readings or poems they might like, they draw a blank. They have favourite music, that they don’t think suitable for a wedding or they haven’t read much in the way of poetry. What I try to convey to them is that whatever their music choices, reading or poems, reflects them as a couple. Guests will recognise from their choices, their personalities, traits and what they mean to each other.
There is a whole variety of choices that perfectly demonstrate what is special to a couple; anything from the more traditional Pachelbel’s Canon in D, or I Giorni by Ludovico Einaudi. From favourite movies like Leia’s Theme from Star Wars and Evenstar from Lord of the Rings. To the more contemporary like Slide Away by Oasis or Town Called Malice by The Jam. Recently I conducted a ceremony where the couple had a blues singer, her voice was so beautiful, there were tears even before the bride arrived. Such joy.
Readings or poems too can provoke a similar reaction; often depending on the poem or the reader. I have constructed readings, taking ideas from a couples favourite film. A parent may like to read a poem or something they have written that reflects their family. Children love to recite a poem, one that means so much to them. Recently a child read with glee about a king and a queen, when actually the poem was about the princess, obviously she was the princess. Everyone gave her a resounding round of applause. Perhaps Dr Seuss’ Wedding Vows caused the most commotion, even the bride and groom had to participate. It brought laughter, it made memories. That’s all you really need.